The Campaign for Rural England (CPRE) is increasingly frustrating in its approach to the climate crisis. While the national organisation acknowledges the urgency of the situation, its focus on rooftop solar is a slow and insufficient solution.

Yes, panels on buildings will provide a valuable contribution, but the approach faces significant hurdles such as the time it takes retrofitting, the lack of an effective funding mechanism and poor grid control. CPRE's misplaced confidence in the success of their campaign risks delaying much-needed progress.

Regional CPRE groups will oppose almost all solar and wind projects, especially larger ones, further hindering our transition to clean energy. Together their stance undermines CPRE’s credibility as advocates for rural England.

The climate emergency demands immediate progress, not the slow incremental changes that their policies and actions will lead to. By blocking essential renewable energy projects, the CPRE is jeopardising both our climate and the future of our countryside.

So, CPRE, show you mean it when you say “the climate emergency is the biggest threat facing our countryside and planet.” You’re right to say “we need to drastically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions” and we need it quickly!

Emma Grainger, Ottery St Mary